001Drawn High School and Freedom High School. Uh the combined course group that sang the national anthem at the Hornets game this last Saturday. So last Saturday was a Burke County Public School night at the Hornet Stadium. We had some student artwork on display. Um so it was a great night. We had several family members attend uh plus our core students. Um Lori Pvat, excuse me, one of our um instructional coaches was able to facilitate. So she was able to get into a suite and had all of the student artwork displayed at the Hornet Stadium. So it was a pretty pretty special evening for that night. Also, I want to highlight our inclusive talent show. Um it was last Friday. It was just a phenomenal show. Um Miss Grall and I talked this morning at leadership
002and uh how can we get better? Um, and I it's hard to think of how we can get better from what we experienced this past Friday. Uh, and just seeing all the inclusive talent show participants, uh, our special needs students, our regular ed students, everyone that was involved with that program Friday night was very, very great and seeing some of the skills that they have. Also, we had ReadAcross America. Uh, couple weeks ago, we had several of our leadership and several of our board members. I believe we had Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth V or what? Princess Leia, Princess Frog, no, Princess Tiana, I'm sorry, Princess and the Frog. Princess Tiana uh read to several of our students. So, thank you guys for taking time out of your busy day to go and read to our students
003as well. Oh, sorry. Also want to highlight our Drawn High School and our East High School. Uh they both won the state cheerleading competition. Uh it's the 23rd annual cheerleading invitational on Friday, January 9th. Uh Drawn and East Burke varsity cheerleaders won their divisions. Um and the drawn JV squad finished as a state runner up. So we will be recognizing that group at next week's board meeting as well. Also, we were had the opportunity to have our construction rodeo. Few of you guys made it over to the construction rodeo. Uh Coach Rogers, um how many teams do we have? 13 different schools from our our region here and they all met on the campus of Western Pemont Community College. Uh it's a great opportunity. I know Mr. Camp had the opportunity to go over uh
004some of the things that they did. They speed challenge on driving screws in. So they had to compete throughout that process and and win different awards. So uh thanks to our CTE teachers and our students that have that opportunity to go out and do that. So, also this past Friday, we had our fifth grade agriculture awareness day, a day. Uh, all fifth graders within the county went to either East High School or Freedom High School. Uh, we had several community partners. 4 was at Freedom High School, uh, talking to the students. We had several local farmers, uh, cattleman, ranchers there that brought their livestock over for the students to see. As you'll see here, I believe this is, if I'm not mistaken, Freedom High School. Um, so they had They had a horse where the
005students could go and engage. They were they were reshoing the horse several different times throughout the day as well. Uh just showing the students different process. They showed them the different types that so the pigs uh that are in the the cage. Show them the cuts of meat that can come from a pig and then at the end they actually got to eat some barbecue um before they left campus. So uh that was that was a big highlight for the students and myself as well. Also, our kindergarten prek steps academy enrollment is now open. Um, so here again, these are this is the time of the year that we will be determine our enrollment for the upcoming year. So, right now, it just opened last week, so we don't have a good indication on where
006our enrollment numbers are. We're we're hopeful this is our um what I'd consider our COVID group that might be enrolling with us. Um, and that may be up until June, July before we'll have those solid numbers. seeing how our our future graduates numbers will be. Also, Burke County Public Schools will be offering a driving class Monday, March 3rd to April 1st, 8:00 a.m. to 3M. Uh, and we hold those classes at central office. So, if you're interested, call the bus garage, talk to Mr. Wall. Uh, we definitely are in need, as with all counties of bus drivers. Right, Miss Joan? All right. Our third annual Burke County Public School student art show uh is coming up Tuesday, April 2nd, 2026 from 3:30 to 6 PM at the comma. Uh so that's a great opportunity. All
007of our student work gets put on display. Uh we get to go over, we make judges, uh we get to decide what gets to go to first, second, third place. So it's just it's an amazing opportunity to get to see art the artwork of our students uh that make it to that next level. So, also want to highlight our um public relations department. They received a couple weeks ago 10 North Carolina school public relations award. Six of those were gold. Special events included last year's all-inclusive talent show, the 2025 summer institute leadership challenge, and if you recall, that was when we we do our two-day leadership of all of our principles, our directors, and our leadership challenge was this year was we gave each group a certain funding amount and they had to decide what
008they wanted to do. So, we had several groups that went out uh and partnered with other community agencies and they were donating to nonprofits throughout the county. So, it was a just a great opportunity for our folks to give back to the community uh while that they were working in um excellence in writing story about Salem students selling Barbies to help Colleen victims electronic media videos. Um our chalk competition employees who found love at Oakill Elementary School. Uh that one that was a great article or a great story. And our digital media engagement post was Burke County Public Schools own English and PE teachers finding love before Taylor Swift and Travis Kel Kelsey announced their engagement. Uh fun fact of those uh the two on the left um I had those two students at Freedom
009High School and now they're both educators for Burke County Public School. So just great stories um with on within our employees. Also, we're having a culinary showcase coming up that you'll see in your packet as well. uh three course dinner prepared by our talented navigate intermss that we heard about at our last meeting uh from Freedom High School. The inter interns will help prepare a plate and present the dinner on April 27th uh starting at 5:00 pm. So if you're interested in attending that event, please reach out to Miss P. All right. Yep. You probably didn't realize that was going to be on there. Miss Beasler, uh 2026 Culture of Care Summit. So the power of care, self-system and society. Uh we just found out just the other day that Miss Beecher was a um
010is an impact award nominee. Um so um that that event is April 1st through the 3rd. Um so we will keep our fingers crossed for Miss Beecher on that. So congratulations, Miss Beecher. >> And those are my highlights, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Dr. Swan. board. Do we have any questions or comments? >> I would like to make a comment. Um, Mr. Fel, I just want to say thank you for putting on that talent show. Anybody that comes um that probably doesn't shed a tear or a laugh the entire time, they're not paying attention. So, I would I would love it if you would just to say thank you and you would tell your entire team. Thank you. All right, moving on to the next item on the agenda, board discussion. Hallebertton Academy relocation. Dr.
011Swan. >> Yes, Madam Chair. Thank you. Um, as as discussed, um, I did want to bring to the attention of the board possibility of relocating Hallebertton Academy to the campus of Drone High School. Um, so back in 199697, legislation was passed to give our board a history of our ALP programs. Um, that all counties are required to have an alternative learning school program. Um, in that legislation, it doesn't say where that program has to be. It just says that each county has to have a program. Um, so shortly after that time, we began an alternative learning program at Um, hold on a second. In 2011, wait, I'm sorry. Go going back. I wanted to highlight drawn high or I'm sorry, Hallebertton Academy. Uh, Hallebertton Academy dates back to 1942. Uh, we had additions in 51
012and the gym was built in ' 61. Uh, up until 2011, it housed third, fourth, and fifth graders. Uh, before we consolidated into Drexel Elementary School. Um be prior to 2011 we had several different Hallebertton campuses. We had a an East Alps at um yeah Hilderbrand Elementary School. 1995 we had Burke Alternative at College Street which was the old Morgan Junior High. 2007 we had our East Alps which was on the campus or right near Hilderbrand Elementary and West Alps which divided the schools. Um, West Alps was named College Street Academy in 209 and 2010, East Alps closed. 2011 is when we merged East East Alps and West Alps and turned them into Hallebertton Academy. So, in 2011 is when Hallebertton Academy uh so that building sat vacant for a couple years after the merger
013of um when third, fourth, and fifth graders went down into Drexel Elementary School. So there again, it sits on roughly 8 acres, 46,355 square feet. Current enrollment is 36. We have um 36 high school students and nine middle school students with an expected enrollment of 30 high schools next high school students next academic school year. Um and that that's a rough estimate. We'll start the school year with 22 after we have our seniors graduate this May. We currently have 15 faculty and staff members. Some are assigned to other locations. For example, um our school social worker there is assigned to Hallebertton Academy or I'm sorry, Heritage Middle School two days a week. Uh so a couple of our folks are assigned to different locations. Uh it's current home to our date treatment provided by Focus
014Behavioral Health and currently the gym and the uh the football the the field is used by Focus Behavior Health. I'm sorry, is by the rec league and then the community of Drexel or whoever else wants to use that campus. Um, so and some some things that I've been seeing I guess out in social media um that I want to definitely clarify with this board is >> we have no intention of shutting Hallebertton down. Okay, that school is going to continue to be a school, a standalone school with its own high school number. They'll they'll remain a principal on that campus. It'll have its own funding stream from Department of Public Instruction for the for that principal. They'll retain their same school colors, their same school mascot, the buses, and I will go over this here
015in further slides. uh will have an alternate bell schedule, an alternate cafeteria schedule, an alternate gym schedule, alternate entrances and exits, their own graduation, and Hallebertton students of course would not be eligible for drawn high school athletics u because they're not assigned under that high school code. So 13 students are at drawn high school. just the makeup of who is at drawn high or callebertton academy right now 13 students are there for credit recovery um which means they're not scheduled to graduate on cohort cohort once you enter high school as a ninth grader you have four years to complete your high school education oftentimes we have several students with our four traditional high schools that sometimes lose their way find they they take a couple steps off of that trajectory uh and they find themselves
016a semester were behind. Hallebertton allows those students to graduate with 22 credits from Hallebertton Academy um with a little more flexibility with their schedule. We have some students that may uh have have had a um unexpected pregnancy uh where we we offer some flexibility as far as online classes for our students. Uh we have students that may have a full-time job to help support the family. We also offer some online courses for students that that have that as well. Um students have had illnesses, have had home life situations beyond their control. Um poor attendance. Uh some return to the tra traditional schools if they can catch up on their attendance. Actually met with several today um at Hallebertton that were very hopeful in May that they were going to go back. Um we had a
017couple athletes that were going to be playing uh sports there as well. Um, so talking about sports and what they're going to be doing at their traditional school when they return. Um, some actually choose to stay at Hallebertton Academy. Spoke to a parent this past Friday that was interested in talking to me about relocating her daughter to Hallebertton Academy. Um, and we currently have 11 there for um, violations of the vaping policy. Uh as you recall our board uh had took a uh pretty hard stance on vaping uh over the last year. Uh so 11 students there are there for the vaping policy. And there again I was able to have a conversation uh pretty candid conversation to with one one young man. I said so did you do the required coursework? Yes sir. Um
018are are you are you vaping now? You can tell me. I'm not recording you. Not taking anything. I just want to know. He said no sir. He said I'm not vaping anymore. So there there's some great success stories there. Um and here's what I really want to highlight to the board uh in our community at large. These are our students. Um our all promise we say it is academics, well-being, and community connects for all students. Um and we just passed an EC resolution this past month where every child belongs. We just sat we just watched our inclusive talent show last Friday where every student belonged. uh no matter who they are. Um so I definitely wanted to share with that before I jumped into some data. Uh as I talked about with our bell schedule,
019currently Hallebertton has an 8:30 to 2:30 bell schedule. Uh that will remain the same on the campus of um Drawn High School. Valdi's Rotary is immersed in Albertan Academy. uh they offer uh invite anyone to come out and and sit in a graduation with us as uh the Valdis Rotary comes and supports our Hallebertton students. They offer them scholarships uh to attend a two or four-year university and our area churches support them as well. Once again, Hallebertton will retain their own graduations twice a year. Uh we do have mid midyear graduates. Our traditional high schools also midyear graduates. Uh they typically don't um they still come back and do the marching in May in June with our traditional high schools. Um so just some highlights that this picture here students have the opportunity to go
020into elementary schools and read to other students. Um some of the comments that I've seen madam chair um on Facebook as far as what a Hallebertton student is. This is what a Hallebertton student is. somebody that's giving back to our community. Um they're involved in community service projects uh that raised several funds for Hurricane Helen. Uh and also with under Miss May, our current principal, um we were able to get Western Pemont Community Courses up and rolling with our Hallebertton students, which has been unheard of for the last several years. So our students are taking they're taking value in their education right now. Uh currently Drawn High School is less than five miles from Hallebertton. And here are some numbers for the pleasure of the board. Hallebertton to drone is currently 3.7 miles. So freedom
021to drawn 16.2 miles. Freedom to Hallebertton 9. 9.6. So it's a little increased. Patton High School to Drawn High School 12.7 miles. Patton High School at Hallebertton Academy 7 miles. So that's less distance. East High School to draw 6.9. East High School at Hallebertton 12. And then of course our Hallebertton students um that are our drawn high school students that are currently at Hallebertton would not be on a bus. They would take a a shuttle bus. They would ride their traditional bus straight onto campus. um relocating Hallebertton into an independent wing of drawn high school. Uh as we had looked at some um some numbers over the last several years um Mr. McKisik has done our I guess our capacity numbers and then five years ago we had a state capacity audit. Uh Drawn High
022School is not at capacity right now. Um they it's further in one of my slides but off the cuff I want to say We'll get it down to the other slide, but you you'll see the capacity of where drawn was and the room and the rationale behind why we feel that this is a good move. Essentially, um the 500 hallway, there's four rooms being occupied as classroom space out of 10 classrooms right now. Um and we can occupy that and relocate our four teachers at high school. Our lunch schedule, um, this is a proposed lunch schedule, 11 to 11:25. And there again, uh, several high schools have, depending on the class sizes, they have four lunches, A, B, C, and D. Currently drawn has A, B, and C lunch. So this A would be the
023Hallebertton lunch at 11 and then the assigning numbers down. And I do want to mention right now, uh, looking at the cafeteria, they had three options on their entree bar. And then our students at Draw High School and our traditional schools have nine entre. Um, and there again, that's just the cost savings effective where if you have less kids, you're going to have less entre based on child nutrition. Uh, so we're basically going from three to nine entre. doesn't sound like a lot to us, I think, but when you're a high school student or a middle school student, it's going from three entre to nine entre that you can actually make a choice and and I think that's a pretty big deal. Uh here's the facility evaluation. So, Drawn High School has 41.5% available capacity
024and there again that those are from uh McKisik uh and our our last study through the state that we'll be going through again. Um 60% or 24 out of 36 of drawn high school CT classes are not at maximum capacity. That's another uh misnomer that I've heard uh throughout the community um that all of our CT classes are at capacity. So here you can see 24 out of 36 are not at capacity. Um so there again uh location approximation to current Hallebertton building centrally located in the district. uh we don't feel that it would impact our bus routes there. Again, you saw it. Our freedom students will have a shorter a little longer ride. Um but the cost value of that is not going to it's a no gain no loss in our cost of
025transportation. That correct Mr. Wall? Thank you. Um, so the capacity would go up to 63% by adding 50 more students. And there again, we're not looking at adding 50 students to the campus of Drawn High School. Roughly, uh, 30 to 40 students. Um, so there again, if we added more, it's not going to go up above 63%. Um, and there again, we're we're of course, as every school system, we're hopeful that we continue to increase our capacity across the district with our student enrollment. Um, but I do want to make sure it is clear that our students that are potentially able to go into our CTE courses, that would be our credit recovery students that are there on a non-behavioral aspect. Okay, let me say that again. Our students that would potentially be going into
026our career technical ed courses are not there for a behavior reason. Can I ask a question? >> Yes, ma'am. for that point you just mentioned. Is this new >> is what new? >> Them being able to essentially test out and take regular courses at a traditional high school. Would that be new? Relocating them to Hallebertton. >> So, not really. So, we we in the past we have had CTE, we've had a cooking class, we've had foods at Hallebertton, we've had a um carpentry class at Hallebertton. It's a a homemade kitchen in the back of the gymnasium, a homemade um construction class in the back of the gymnasium. Um so when we're looking at our CTE funding, our CTE funding is by man months. So 10 months equal one position. That's how the state funds CTE.
027So you look at our CTE, if we were to keep um two CTE teachers at Hallebertton Academy. That's 20 man months, two positions that could potentially educate maybe five to eight kids a year. Is that truly a cost savings effectiveness of when we're looking at is that are we getting the bang for the buck of our CTE teachers in that sense? our students that are there, our teachers that are there, or could we relocate our students and give them a more robust CTE, a a a better opportunity in a kitchen, a better opportunity by taking woodworking classes. Uh before CO, we were building houses within our communities. Now, we're we're doing ramps. We're doing a lot of great things within our communities, but our students that are at Hallebertton right now, we're training them for
028our workforce, our military, our two and fouryear universities if they so choose and and that's what we want to continue to push for. >> Can I just add to um I think going back to your question when I think when Dr. Swan and I were principles, we actually had students from Hallebertton come to our traditional high schools and take CTE courses if they had transportation. So, it's not really new because we've been doing this when when they are effective and they show that they can behave and that they've met all their goals and things. So, we have done this on a case- by case basis in the past. >> Was that your I'm sorry. Was that your question? >> No, you both answered my question. I just wanted to clarify if once a student is
029moved to Hallebertton if they're there in perpetuity. >> No. No, they are not. They they could be there. there again. The student I talked to that was there for a vape vaping issue as a ninth grader potential he's going to go back to Freedom High School this fall in August of 2026 hands down >> and he just got sent there for a semester. >> Would it be accurate to say that all four high schools have previous Hallebertton students walk in their halls? >> Absolutely 100%. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. When you say that the CTE classes are not at capacity, >> but then some of the classes have 24, is there like safety issues like within those CTE programs that they can only have a max of 24 in some of those classes? So,
030I'm I'm just kind of wondering because, you know, how would that create an opportunity if they're already maxed with 24 in a class? >> That That's correct. So, I guess the important thing to think about with CTE is there's no local funding at all as it relates to CTE. It's all federal and state funds. So, when Dr. Swan's talking about months of employment, and we got 31 months of employment last year, which is the equivalent of three teaching positions, and that's not you guys. That's nothing to do locally. That's federal and state funds. And so, we've already been cut another seven forecasted for next year. So, what we're trying to do is balance a classroom that has five kids in it versus a classroom that has 22 with a cap of 27 that we could
031add five kids. Those five positions become 27. We also have a local amount that we allow to overage or the state limit that we can we can determine. So I guess long story short to answer your question, we are under capacity at certain places based off of enrollment. So this this wouldn't create any kind of undue burden. And we know for example, let's say fire three. We we know that fire three there's going to be 10 kids because that means kids have gone through fire one, fire two, they get to fire. So 10, we're actually really excited to have three three I mean 10 kids that fire three. Um where we run into problems at is when we have those entrylevel courses and capacity is 27 with an overage of two and we've got 14
032kids. And so that that that's kind of where that that buys in. >> So how would you balance that? So if you run into that situation and there's like one spot left and then you've got a student who's not a Hallebertton Academy student but a basic you know from drones in the draw. >> Yeah. Drone students would have that first priority. >> So there's a chance that they may have an opportunity but not necessarily have the opportunity. It could be there if the class isn't full. >> If it's not full. what we're seeing our for our health sciences course um the students that will take our health it stays full at pretty much all four traditional high schools >> so I just want to make sure we're not stealing a picture that's no that's you
033know you see I'm saying >> and and pro program areas I'm sorry Dr. the program areas like with nursing fundamentals, there's a cap. There's 10 kids that can take that, right? We actually went through a civil rights review and I'm proud to say we passed that very well two years ago. But we actually have to have a lottery process to determine which 10 kids get in because it's 10 per semester. And so when we do that, we we have to go through some of those uh steps. But when the Hallebertton kids had their own CTE, they had their foods, they had their construction because they've got a whole, you know, room there full of construction equipment that they could use. All those kids could use it, not just the select select few, >> but they
034don't have it now, >> right? Because as a district, we pulled not as a district because of funding because of funding, but we had to pull their CTE teachers, the foods, and the construction >> and because they were electives. >> Yeah. They don't have they're just it's a local election. >> And I will say, >> right, >> and I will say this, kudos to Burke County Public Schools. Burke County Public Schools is one of few districts that requires a CTE class as a local requirement for graduation. The state does not require that we have a CTE course as a graduation requirement. As a CT director, I'm very proud that we require that that every kid that graduates high school has to take a CTE course in order to graduate from B County school. So, I
035mean, we're in a tough spot. I mean, we all we all know that. That's why we're having this conversation. But, um I I think this particular situation would allow our Hallebertton students more opportunities. It's going to give them a chance for the ones like Dr. once said that are that are able to participate in these classes. It it'll give them a chance where at drone we've got foods, business, carpentry, fire, interior design. Um we we've project lead the way. We've we've got a lot of options there. So, um I know I know you guys are in a tough spot and I'll be happy to answer any questions that relates to CTE, but I do think it's important to know that CTE is funded in a totally totally different capacity as it relates to um locally
036what you guys can provide and what everybody else can provide versus state and federal funds. >> When did the CTE end at >> this past year? We we we actually had carpentry up until three years ago and it's kind of when things and then this past year we we had to look at numbers and when you've got 17 kids in the semester that's an entire classroom at another school and we had to make the decision to to move on there. Now I will say this we have allowed those students and uh Miss May's done a great job working with us our counselors with Dr. Sane and to try and find ways to get kids to take online classes. We have been able to offer some of those. We've done a great job of uh Dr.
037Alton, correct me, not dual enrollment, but uh well, CCP and then we've had a kid who may transition during mid semester. How do we find a way to keep them in there? Our CT teachers are doing a great job of taking on that kid uh online to make sure that when they transfer, they're going to still get the cross enrollment. That's exactly the word I was looking for. So we we've done a good job of that we feel like. >> And the state the state is the one that cut the main months last year. We took a substantial cut in man months. >> Yeah. We lost 31 months before >> 31 months. So that's 10 10 positions that we lost. >> So I think you answered one of the questions that I had. Um but
038before I asked that question, I want to clarify something in my mind. >> We have 30 high schoolers currently at Hallebertton. 36 35 35 I believe. >> Okay. 35. >> Yeah. >> So 13 of those 35 are there fully because they have um credit for credit recovery. >> 11 are there for for breaking the vaping policy. So the other Thank you. >> Um are the are the um I don't know what the word I need the word. >> Don't say it. It's already been said. Um um >> but but they they are the they are the ones that are um >> committed more serious offenses. Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. That's what I was trying to say. Committed serious offenses and thank you for that. >> And um those folks would not necessarily have opportunities
039to participate in the CT classes at at drone. >> No ma'am. And then is um the vaping students that have come into Hallebertton throughout the year for for breaking the vaping policies and whatever. Um they could in theory have have been part of the CT courses before they moved and they've lost that opportunity because of bad m because of bad judgment. Um, and the credit recovery students could possibly be the same thing. If they are from within the district, they could have had lost that opportunity and this is an opportunity. This is a chance for them to gain that opportunity back. So, in theory, those 26 students could have actually been in that in those CTE classes prior to moving to Hallebertton. >> That is correct. How long do the vaping policy breakers, I don't
040know the right thing to call them, how long um do they generally uh stay at Hallebertton? Is there is there a time frame? Is there >> is Yeah, I would say this a semester, a minimum of a semester. >> Okay. >> One semester. Okay. >> And the important thing is exactly what you said. those 24 kids just got extra opportunities, right? I mean, I think that, you know, the those kids now have those opportunities that aren't the serious um >> offenders. And I do do want to touch on the ser what we're saying the serious offenders that some of the students at Hallebertton right now are still at drone, still at freedom, and still at patent. They just haven't reached that threshold as far as behav inappropriate behavior that would determine a student to be
041sent to Halbertton based on the behavior team. >> Thank you. Inappropriate behavior is I I'm sorry. I struggled with those words. Struggled with finding my words today. Um and and I don't know that they are the um I don't I think it would give them something maybe to work for to work toward. Um I don't know. I don't know how all that works quite honestly, but I feel like these twothirds of the students that are there now, if we're using that as kind of our talking points, twothirds of the students that are in the high school portion of Hallebertton now either ha could have participated in or will participate in when they return back to their normal to their regular school. >> And the majority of our credit recovery students, they're they go to Hallebertton
042typically their senior year. So unless they come to us from another state or they went out as a 16-year-old fresh or came in as a freshman from another county or state that we're behind and then they get caught up once they're there. But a lot of our credit recovery students at Hallebertton, they're seniors and it's very difficult to maintain those credits and go back. We've seen it done. Last year when I was visiting Hallebertton, I met a young lady who um was so excited that she was going to get to start cosmetology school. So excited. And I think Miss May had worked out an opportunity for for her to attend that. Um >> I don't know if it was at Western Pedmont. I don't remember where it was, but she was so excited. And we
043were together and and you said, "Now, do you have transportation?" And she was like, "Yeah, yeah. I got it all figured got and she was so excited, but yet she had just finished telling me about how much she loved Hallebert and the structure of it and whatever. So, I think that opportunity for some CTE um education is is definitely lacking there. So, >> I have a question about CTE for a minute. I was a I was a high school counselor for 24 years at a continuation high school much like Holly. And um we know what what a lot of those kids are are not your typical learners. They're not your typical auditory or visual learners. They're kesthetic. They they're hands-on. A lot of those kids need hands-on coursework and uh and theoretically they could have
044taken them at the school I was working at. The only problem was it was never actually available. never actually available and to to think that the kids who need it most in some ways can't get it and and they don't have it now at Hallebertton and this would be an opportunity for them to take the kind of courses that a lot of times they really need and excel at is is to me a great possibility for >> Let me ask this I mean if they didn't if if they're there for credit recovery this might be just a dumb They're there for credit recovery and they had the opportunities at their home schools >> to be a part of these CTE classes or these extra opportunities. How would we get them to participate that at Drum?
045>> Well, it's it's the local local we lack the local credit and it's just it's an enticement. But I'm saying if they didn't go to class, let's say we had an expert student >> who, you know, needed credit recovery assistance, was um let's say, you know, referred to go to drone high school and they needed that credit, that would be a CTE, but they didn't take it at their home school. Why? I mean, what's you see what I'm saying? How >> if they wouldn't take it at their home school and they didn't do what they were supposed to say, why would they go to a larger high school? >> That's a great question. I think the biggest thing is I think Swan alluded to most of the folks that go to Haliver, juniors and senior
046upper class. They've already taken that CT class as a ninth 10th grader and a lot of them probably enjoyed that class. It's the other stuff >> that came in as the reason that they weren't there. >> Most of the people Yeah. the most of the people that we have going to Alberta have already taken that they've already met that local requirement that you guys so graciously have agreed to adopt. Again, like I said, that's that's not a common thing throughout the state. Northwest region, we go to it all. We got this computer science requirement coming up as a graduation requirement. And I argue at all our Northwest regions. Why don't we just say let's make every kid do like Burke County and take a CTE class versus saying you have to take computer science. So
047a lot of them actually by the time they get to Hallebertton have already taken a CTE class. It's can we get them in now that second level that third level that this may provide and theoretically if if I'm a Hallebertton student and I'm I'm walking down to foods foods class and I decide to skip and I get in trouble, Miss May is yanking that availability from that student. So, it's not a guarantee like our traditional students. You can't just pluck them out of there. Um, you've got to go through the whole process. But in this situation, that's that's not nothing's promised. >> And in that situation, would we and we pulled the Hallebertton student out, we're just going to have a hole there that a drawn high school student could have. >> No, we we
048already said that drawn high school students would take priority of those CTE classes. But if the he's saying that if the Hallebertton student didn't make that opening and didn't make the spot in the class, correct? And then you pull them back out of class, then we've got an opening that a drum student, >> but that'll transfer. They don't transfer after the first 10 days. So, >> yeah. Yeah. >> And I do love the conversation of this CT. I I just think that it shows how great our CTE staff is across the county that we're having this big of a discussion about classes that kids may want to take. Our CT staff is unreal. Uh whether it be the middle school staff, whether it be the high school staff, these are classes that kids want to
049be in for various reasons. And that's my cheap plug on bragging on our CT staff because they do a great I mean 1 through 56. And I think that's what our CTA CTE staff is right now. 1 through 56. They do a heck of a job in making these opportunities important for kids and part of the discussion at the time. >> I have one more final question. What kind of guarantee or policy would we apply that would um ensure that our bad decision makers um do not become, you know, do not not do not have this opportunity but do not become eligible to be part of, for lack of a better way to say it, the drone own >> um school system, >> right? >> Um would we we as a board I would feel
050like would need to write some policy for that. Would that be how that's handled? How would that be handled? >> No, I don't think it'd be a policy. It'd be more of a procedure >> just almost So all of our high schools, our middle schools, elementary schools have an enrollment procedure. You check residency. You you have to have three proofs of residency before you enroll somebody. students coming from another high school, we have to have your transcripts. We we study your transcripts to find out exactly where you fit as far as academic credits. So that that'd be more of a procedure than a policy. You like to weigh in on anything. >> Yeah, I think the procedure similar to what we have right now, you have to have pre prerexs. a ninth grader may not
051be qualified or eligible to take a a higher level math course. And that's that procedure where you you have to bet that student before it gets up to that level. >> But we can ensure we can assure that our our community that we would have something in place >> that that would kind of a safeguard there. >> Absolutely. And Dr. I think going back to the local requirement if they get to Hallebert and they've already had a CTE class although we would love for them to be able to take it. they've already met the local requirement to graduate. It would just be in a situation maybe that they had not received that CTE class that we might need to make sure that or you I mean again that's a local that's not state. >> Yeah.
052>> Again, thank you guys for >> adopting that policy. I mean that's awesome. Like I said I mean it's it's rare in in our region that that we have that participation >> requirement. Swan, can I Yes. >> go back over some of these things that you mentioned pretty quickly. I just want to make sure that I think something are certainly concerned about >> such as so um this proposal is that Hi Burton's program goes 8:30 to 2:30 and drawn that students are start classes at >> 750. That's right. 750. >> Yeah. Ty bell at 750. >> They're over at 250 >> 250. So there's a period of time. >> Now the uh the buses that drop students off, they drop students off now. So you're saying there is a separate wing of Hallebertton that can
053be locked off >> and that's just for those students and the bus would drop those students rights there. Well, currently right now our Hallebertton students that are riding to a shuttle bus to drone or I'm drawn let's say I'm a drone student. I get referred to Hallebertton from drone and I'm a bus rider. I still ride a bus to drone. I get off the bus and I get on another bus to go to Halberg unless my parents are transporting me there. That would be simply a supervision aspect of it where the currently there's I want to say eight drawn students enrolled at Halbertton right now. So those eight drawn students, if they're car riders, they'll be dropped off at the designated entrance. If they're a bus rider, they're doing what they're doing now. are simply
054getting off one bus and going to their to their respective building right now. >> What would they >> um so that's on a very I think we have one student that drives and that's because that student has a job um right after school. So they'd be parking. We'd have a a designated parking spot. We've already identified that. >> Not in a student lot. >> Yeah. So I know the bus drop off drops off right essentially in front of the front door and is that happen? >> No. So Hallebertton will have its own designated entrance. U you can picture around drawn around the the drop off loop as you drive past the administrative offices and you turn right right past there there's a another entrance. That's where the drone high school or Hallebert entrance will be.
055>> And I know Mrs. typically meets those students there at the door. >> Same process. >> The same intent, >> same process. >> Um, now you're saying that they have a separate lunch. They would have a separate lunch, a separate PE. I assume that wing has plenty of restrooms. They don't need to go anywhere else. Use rest. >> So, currently at the setting of Hallebertton right now, they use um they don't use what what we call a gang a set of gang bathrooms where it's four or five can go in at a time for safety reasons. That's just something that Hallebertton has established over the course of however many years they'd be using. There's there are bathrooms on that wing that they would use there. Again, it's not an open set of urinals. It's not
056an open set of whatever. You would have separate bathrooms. >> They already Yes. Is that a supervised bathroom trip now or how does that work? >> Yes, supervised. >> So, I guess the same thing would happen. >> Yep. >> There. What about the wing accessibility to the rest of the the school? >> So, right now it's got the, you know, every >> it's got the double doors that would shut. We of course we can't for safety code, >> right? You can't lock them, but that's why I'm asking for some clarification on that. >> It would just they would just be closed throughout the instructional day. >> We just hope kids don't go. >> Yeah, the SRO's office is right there on that. >> So, would they be off limits for everything? Would they be like
057armed with alarms or something if they were opened? I mean, they could always they can remain open for emergencies, >> but could they be alarmed um if they were, you know, I I don't know if that's an option or if that's something we want or something, but could they be alarmed so that they are opened in a non-emergent reason that we know it and can go say who's opening the door? >> Yeah, I'd have to check with fire marshall on that. Um but I typically I would say they have to be open during for egress. Um >> right. But can they be alarmed? So if they are opened for a non-emergency reason >> and and left open yes absolutely we currently right now what we did um as a safety measure several years ago. Um
058we we have almost every one of our doors that are the the prop rock doors that playground they they put a piece of mulch or a rock and leave the door open. So right now we have systems in place where if that that striker's not touched, it sets off the most annoying alarm. >> It it's a terrible alarm. >> That's still not really what I'm asking. So that's an emergency door over there, but you can't use it. You're not supposed to use it. >> So if you open that door, there's an alarm going to go off. I don't know if that's true with this, but but there are buildings that are >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So if you open that door, an alarm will go off. >> I see what you're saying. I
059don't how are we going to do I don't see that being feasible because we're going to have let's say we have five CT students that are at first period CTE and then they open that door and the alarm goes off we you know >> okay >> yeah that's what I would worry about then then you've got distraction amongst the other parts of the building >> just just thinking about I know that's a a touch point for for a of a lot of concern. >> So, I was just touching just thinking about >> what sort of fixes we would have for that. >> Sure. >> Well, I mean, none of the none of the school doors are locked at Hallebertton right now and nobody just goes once in a blue moon they'll have a student that'll
060just walk out. Not very often would I say that would be a need that I don't know definitely worth discussion. That's another interesting point about HI Burton and SRO's. I volunteered like once a week for almost all last semester and I don't know that they've needed an SRO more than a couple times but Hallebertton has no SRO and has not had one this year. And so when they have had those problems, they've had to get an SRO come over from Vald Elementary. It's like it would be kind of handy to PD responds quite elementary >> quite often. Yes. >> And that's that in in some of my other slides. That's what some of the benefits as as you'll see up here. Um as we talked about the electives uh full-time SRO on campus. Uh, also
061we have a roving lieutenant officer Bera. Um, his current office right now is at Liberty Middle School. So his office will be relocated to Drawn High School. So essentially they're gaining a position at Drawn High School for an SRO. Um, increase access to school counselors. When I say increase access, uh, Mr. Chang Lur will follow Hallebertton over which he's there three days a week to at Heritage Middle School. Um, but there again, students are students whether they're in this building or that building and they deserve to be treated with if somebody needs some help, we're going to treat that student. It's it's just that normal human being nature that we're going to try to help somebody. >> I would also like to clarify when we're talking about very serious or serious incidents. Can we clarify
062for the record? Can you guys hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay. I can't hear myself. Um, allergies suck. >> Yes. Um, but can we clarify for the record that the misconception in the community that these are school shooters? I'm going to go ahead and say it. >> Yes. >> Um, that's just not We don't have school shooters. Can we Can we say that? Is that safe to say? >> I think so. Yeah. Yeah. I I I think it's very safe to say. So, so >> if we did have a school shooter, would they be enrolled with county? somebody made a a credible threat to harm a Burke County public school campus, it would probably be safe for me to say that we would do everything in our power to make sure that that student is
063not on any of our campuses. >> I just needed that on record. >> Yes. And I want to follow that up with >> um >> I wanted to follow I want to follow that up with and if we have a student at drone who may potentially feel threatened because of some interaction they had with some uh some student that is coming from Hallebertton to the to the new Hallebertton at drone that you and I know this board, but you would um absolutely listen to that and work through that and try to find a solution and and something for that >> 100%. Um we have and we have the discipline broken down by offenses. There are some fights that a student has gotten sent to Hallebertton Academy for. um not a one-time fight, not a two-time
064fight, maybe your third fight or maybe it's your first time fight and it was an overly aggressive fight where you didn't listen to commands by an administrator, school law enforcement officer. That's what typically gets somebody sent to Hallebertton Academy um based on the incidences. As I said before, it's the amount and the frequency of behaviors that get get you sent to Hallebertton Academy, not necessarily um the infraction itself. It's the amount of times that you've done that infraction. >> What's the Dylan? You have anything to add on that? >> I'm gonna ask this just for quick. What's the um those disciplinary steps or levels that you're talking about? Which one of those are eligible for CTE? >> None. >> So, okay. >> So, going back to school safety, um, Miss Rocket, we do have motor
065detectors at Halbertton now. So, a kid comes in the morning, um, they walk through the middle section detectors and also they get wanded as well. And so, it's twofold before they ever enter the building. And so, that would take away any concern, I think, of having a weapon on campus or those two two steps there. Well, I was more thinking about just somebody going them up just, you know, um I I have heard some concerns over the last several days about things like, well, if we let these kids into CTE, these CTE classes have screwdrivers and razor blades and hammers and that they can get their hands on and um things like, you know, just wondering ing the halls and whatever. And so I was trying to think in my mind if there was a
066I don't want to call it a happy medium, but a kind of a compromise that would would make both feel more more secure. And that's why I was asking about the alarms on the doors. Something to say when those doors open, maybe the alarm automatically disengages. And I'm probably this probably pipe dream. it probably doesn't work, but it disengages at at class change time or or whatever for a certain amount of time or or something like that. Um, I don't know. I don't I don't know what that is. But but there are some concerns that I feel like we as a board and we as a school system should address. Um, but I do also feel like some of those concerns are a little bit elevated for what's actually um being presented with merging the
067two schools. >> So, but but it it makes good it to me we need to explore all those options and talk about what is realistic and what is not. >> Yes. >> Let me just piggyback on something real quick what she said because >> it's it's been a question. I mean, so while she mis mention it, I'm just I'll just ask this. Um, so there's been multiple times, you know, we've seen online where people were claiming that these kids will go into CTE classes and come back with making weapons. I've even seen shanks, everything. So that's just piggybacking off of what she said. All right. So, anytime we've had any kind of threat in the school, we have a behavior threat assessment which is about 15 pages long. It takes about a week to complete
068kind of diagnose the threat level of the student where they're high, medium, low. And based on that threat level, let's say a student is rated as high, we have a plan for them, maybe extra searches, escort plans, this and that. But also kids who have egregious threats, they're either put on homebound, um they wouldn't even be at Hallebertton Academy. Um I could speak to several that um are not in our campus at now at all due to some threats that have been made but um taken very seriously our students. >> Yeah. >> Are those home homebound situations like a temporary or like a 10day suspension semester suspension or is it a >> it could be the rest of the school year? Um it could be a semester but we >> talk to the probation officers.
069we revisit where we're at in the court system and to really try to take into account case by case basis of where they stand with law enforcement as well. >> And so possibly like I guess one one situation, one case comes to mind, you know, they they've gone out, they've gone their suspension, it was like a long-term suspension, and then they come back and they finish out those courses at Hallebertton, >> but they would not be eligible for CTE based on the behavior. >> Yeah, but they would. >> Yeah. Yeah. Usually if it's if it's weapons based and they're not coming back. >> Okay. >> I'll stress my >> bias again. I I I was in a school like this for 24 years. And these are not just about any of these are not bad
070kids. These are trouble kids. A lot of times they are trouble kids. They're they're not bad kids. It was a pleasure. Have you um aside from stepping away from CTE a minute just as far as the the consolidation merger what whatever you want to call it have you looked at any other >> districts around that's this has happened in or has done something like this you know what the outcome was to that >> so 56 of the 115 districts successfully operate a school within a school model what we're doing right now what we're proposing right now school with 56 districts, uh, several locally. >> Ash County High School has this model in place now. Um, it's the first year doing it. They've had positive, um, reviews on that as well. North Wils High School has
071their it's on their own campus as well. Alexander Central High School has the same model in place on their campus and the Waga High School is also has campus school within a school program. >> And how many did you say were standalone? >> 56. >> That was school within a school. >> 56 counties. 56 schools of 115. >> So the rest of them are standalone schools >> or or >> it's about half and half >> or nothing. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's that's a big model that we found in exploration of this as well. A lot of schools would kind of have their own section. Freedom would have their own section. Drone has their own section. But ideally financially, yes, it'd be great if you could do that and have the space. But we
072don't have the at our other campuses. >> And did they mention any of their procedures, issues, anything that they have their, you know, should we not have done this kind of thing or any of that stuff? What kind of regrets I may have had? >> I'm talking about is stuff like, uh, making sure lunches don't interchange, different lunch times. >> Um, some of the campuses also do the CTE, they go to PE type deals. Um some students thought about having contracts like if you behave XYZ you can continue going to CTE PE classes but if X happens then no longer an option but just troubleshooting different contracts that they have in place >> kind of earn it kind of things >> and and getting off that just a minute I know you talked about the
073staggered lunch times and the cafeteria use but what I what about things like PE and stuff like that when you only have one gym and they'll have to be serving those. >> They have an auxiliary gym as well and then there's different PE times. So the PE teachers have different planning times. So there's there's free space that'll be available. >> So when they they're using that they'll still be >> stand. >> Okay. Uh some benefits to draw high school and and what we feel the entire district would benefit as well. Uh and and here's something as as we start breaking things down financially. Um to educate a traditional Burke County Public School student, we're looking at roughly $9,000 per student. Um our students as we break down the cost at Drawn High School or Hallebertton
074High, Hallebertton Academy, I apologize, $37,620 to educate a current alternative school student in Burke County Public Schools. Um so that's a an estimated cost savings of $400,000 annually to the district. Um, and what we feel that's nine and a half teaching positions, $400,000. And I I can let Mr. Lawson speak on this. I know we've we've been chastised online about saying there's no way we can save that amount of money. I'd love to ask Mr. Lawson to come up and explain. Yes, in fact, we can save $400,000 and probably more. Um, by doing this, um, by maintaining the pos teaching positions, um, we're going to maintain our programs and maintain our lower class sizes across the district that we've fought so hard to do over the last several years. >> As you do that, talk
075about why does it cost four times as much to educate them. >> So, as you look at your space, you look at the class sizes, you look at how much a teacher is worth as far as their pay, and then you break that down. Keith, you can do a much better job articulating that than me. >> You know, obviously, uh, you have economies at scale of scale at play. Uh, for instance, you know, obviously you're paying, let's say, a teacher $60,000 a year and at Drawn High School, you're paying them to teach a class of 29. At uh Hallebertton Academy, you're teaching or you're paying them to teach a class of five or six. So, that that that's what it boils down to. the square footage that a very very small population to occupy that
076it cost operationally to to run. We would save uh a school nutrition uh director position. We would save a custodial position. We would save at least two teaching positions. And all of this is money saved to put resources. >> Wait, can I interrupt just real quick? If we're going to keep the exact same staff in place when we move Hallebertton into this wing, how are we going to save two teaching positions? >> Well, he's there full time. Well, minus one. So these are cuts that have already happened. Is that right? That's figured into what he's looking at saving >> projected. But we've so in the last year and a half to two years we've kind of cut back on that you know the Hallebertton Academy full-time instructional coach they used to have assistant principal they
077had a second EC teacher they had CTE for construction they had a math specialist they had social studies teacher they had a behavioral specialist CT for foods an SRO they're now sharing a social worker they're sharing a PE teacher and a secretary That's probably when the numbers were around 60, I believe. Now we're we're down to 35 students. >> So, in addition to these, we're taking off additional staff >> there. Again, with the retirement of one of our online teachers. >> Yeah. And it wouldn't wouldn't necessarily be the the teachers or the office or or any of the positions. wouldn't necessarily be those people that are currently at Hallebertton, but through through efficiencies earned or gained by having the population combined with drawn high school. We anticipate that we could say those two positions, the
078custodial CTE, that those can be saved. >> Then I've also calculated into the savings still 75% operational expenses for us to maintain the Hallebertton campus until ultimately a decision is made on that facility. >> But would we still be taking care of the the building if they moved with with custodial services and maintenance and >> we would stay the custodian, but we would still, you know, need to take care of the grounds, maintain the facility, condition the air, those kinds of things. We we wouldn't just shutter the building. >> Okay. And I've >> So that would be an expense for those. Okay. >> Yes sir. I I have all the operational expenses calculated for the facility at 75% of what it currently is. >> Could I could you at after this meeting after could you
079give us the details of those two positions? Because if those two positions are one class of a PE teacher and two classes of a CTE teacher and I'd really like to see how it comes up to two full positions and yet we're not going to downsize the staff to when we when they are um moved to Albertton. >> Yes. You and I >> I would like to understand that math because right now it's it's not math in my head. >> Yeah, we can do that. >> Thank you. Um overall I have Gohead question. So your projection of moving those students to the the other location uh will save what do you project it would save in terms of cost to the district? >> I I feel very confident that we could save $400,000 a year
080and I do have that detailed line item detail calculated. uh can't can't answer your question specifically right at the moment on the two teaching positions u but uh and I feel it's a very conservative effort uh estimate on savings >> do you have a where was was Keith giving us a report on numbers or just answering >> just that answering questions >> how many on average teaching positions would that be >> n and a half $400,000 translates to n and a half teaching positions across the district to say yeah but and I know there's a lot of loyalty to the campus to that that campus has been important history and county schools and I'm sure it was a very nice school 85 year or so years ago But walking through that campus week after week,
081it's kind of a dinosaur. It's struggling. So w with that said, Mr. Camp, you're right. It it does of course it takes extra to heat and cool different size campuses. Uh and I have been re I've been in communication with some community partners right now um that could potentially have some interest in doing some things with the campus of Hallebertton. Uh nothing set in stone of course um but just some interest level surface level interest requests there. Again Drexel is a very valued community. Drone High School um I know unfortunately the rumor mill says that we're going to shut Hallebertton down. that is or Drexel of Drawn High School down. That is not sorry. Uh that has not um ever been discussed to shutter the doors of Drawn High School. It's a very valued campus
082that we have here. Uh you know, in in the short time that it's open, the rich rich tradition that they've created already. Uh the athletics that they've won, the competitions, the academics there. Again, that's not anything that we've ever discussed nor would we want to. If I can speak to that for just a second. It is. It was a highly soughtafter high school. Ba's won at that high school. It's no secret. We've been talking about it for weeks at this point. ADM has declined. Currently, Drawn has our lowest population. Correct. If we don't see a turnaround in increased numbers, I mean, we're going to be looking at the same situation where having drawn, we're having $37,000 per student there as we are having with Hallebertton right now. And so looking at innovative ways to keep
083drawn in the community that it's in, I think is smart, progressive, and a way to try to figure out hurdles that we're seeing across the state. Um because that is a concern. I mean, we have a what is it called? A study coming up. >> A capacity study. >> We do. We have another facility study. fac study coming up by DPI this spring >> and taking out our specialty schools based on the numbers we're looking at what high school would come in at the lowest capacity >> I believe it's Drone Patton East and then Freedom at our highest >> so Drone will be our lowest capacity school >> yes >> population yes >> population and space I believe they're both That would lead to another question. You know, with a move like this, you know,
084you moving some students, but why would we even think about doing a move like this before we looked at possibly redrawing district lines? If you've got freedom that's that's packed >> and then, you know, moving students, patent, and then circle them, bringing them back up some more back up towards drawn. Why would we do this as opposed to, you know, looking at redistricting? >> Good question. As you recall, several years ago, we were tasked, this administration was tasked with looking at redistricting lines. Um, and we looks heavily at the drawn East Burke district and as we start looking at moving, so right now the drawn line stops at the old the new food line, the old bo if you start looking at putting it into the city limits and and expanding there because if you
085keep going further east, you're taking students away from Eastburg High School. uh if you go further west would help out the population of Freedom High School, but but all of a sudden you're looking at putting our our highest disadvantaged students on a bus longer and that's where we pump the brakes on that. Now there there is we will be looking at discussions of patent and freedom in the upcoming year because those numbers are off. So that is definitely on the on the discussion block coming up. Um but as far as we we looked very heavily at the east uh and what we could do with the trajectory and the transportation time was just becoming a booger for that. So we did look at that. We revisited it before we came up with this discussion as
086well as a leadership team. So we're looking at freedom potentially absorbing or excuse me patent potentially absorbing freedom students >> maybe maybe potentially >> 10 years ago 10 years ago um if you recall not to digress for >> Dr. Wait a minute >> discussion >> wait wait wait a minute wait a minute just without the detail of it >> these is all potential we're looking at freedom students potentially moving to patent which would and patent's at what almost 80% 850 students. >> So that'll even out those two schools. East Burke High is already at a high capacity. The only school left logically would be drawn >> as far as extra space. Correct. >> Okay. >> That puzzle will be put together. >> And I have one more question just as a clarification question and it's
087kind of off in left field a little bit. Um the question was raised the other day about transfers to uh Freedom and Patton are closed right now. And and one of the one of the things was said was I wonder when that happened. I said well I know that Freedom has a very high capacity and I think transfers to Freedom have been closed for a good while. >> This last year and this year they were closed. >> So So the last two school years. What about Patton? When did transfers to Patton close? >> Midyear this year. But Patton when their population was higher, they had a closed transfer policy as well. So it's it's not new. >> Is it does is East closed to transfers right now or No. Okay. >> And and and we
088look at everything on a one individual basis. >> Okay. >> Tomorrow. >> Yeah. I have one question. Let's talk about the future. So, right now, I believe you said 30 to 40 Hallebertton kids would be going to >> with our our discipline and stuff throughout the county. What ideas, thoughts, plans if, and I hope it doesn't, but what if our our discipline issues go up and we have more eligible Hallebertton kids? Is there enough room? What What are we going to do? What's What's that look like down the road? >> So, right now there's they're going to be occupying classes that are currently occupying four out of 10 >> vacant classrooms right now. Um so, the drone or the Hallebertton community will be able to occupy current classrooms and there'll be plenty of space. Um
089here again, Hallebertton Academy is the the most if we're talking about least restrictive environment for our students, Hallebertton is the most restrictive environment for our students. >> We the the goal of public ed is to keep our students in least restrictive environment. >> When you go to Hallebertton Academy, you're you're like you're locked down for the most part. So we try not to do that. Um, I feel that our discipline teams do a phenomenal behavior. We joked about it today at leadership. I said when I was a high school principal um at Freedom, I could not stand our discipline team because they rejected about every person that I submitted um because I didn't have the data. So, right now, our teams do a phenomenal job of collecting data, providing supports for our students. It's not
090a oneanddone situation and you go straight to Hallebertton Academy. You go through a process. You go through parent communication. As I said the other day, somebody sent a name to that committee, which I don't serve on. Um, and there was a a couple suspensions, nothing major, no communication, and no interventions put in place. So, that told that behavior team, hey, that student's coming back to you. you guys have to do a better job on your campus to try to put some supports in place for this child rather than sending them straight to Hallebertton Academy uh for that most restrictive environment. So, does that answer your question? >> Yeah, >> we have space, >> but our goal our goal is not to I don't want to be proud of having the most alternative school teachers. >>
091Sure. Sure. >> But even if we had 50 students come to Hallebertton, we would still have I think we'd only be at 63% capacity at draw high school. So would still have space even if the numbers went up that much. >> And of course with some um relocation there'll be some uh one time up upfront cost. Uh preparing dedicated wing uh designating parking bus drop off and car rider lanes cameras which we can use some grant funding for the cameras and the buzzer system. uh we'll work closely with the fire marshall and there again that's what you and I had discussed Miss Rocket about the the doors and what we can and can't do. So we've we've talked about that. Um lottery funds our cops grant um and then repair and renovation from the state
092each year. So >> Dr. Swan, yes. Going back on that slide, the cost slide, >> what I guess transparently, what are those cost? What is the figures? roughly 160 to $180,000 onetime cost. And that would be to there again to make a sallyport for our parents to come through um beef up some of the the pavement um where the buses would be going to drop off our students. Right now it's a a certain level which the heavy transportation we wouldn't be able to do. Um so that's those would be some of the costs right there. >> And is that a dis like you know those costs will you guys is that something you'd come back to the board to get approval? >> No. That would be something I would check with Mr. Lawson, but I
093I think that would just be able to be used within our capital. >> Well, with that being in the capital, is that going to tap into any kind of funds or capital allocations that we've had for, you know, >> earmarked for something else? No. >> No. >> So, in and I will say drawn. So, in after this academic school year, drawn high school and patent high school will be paid for. So that's an additional $4 million in capital that will be reverting straight back into our capital um fund balance. Um so some of those of course those funds are are there. Um Mr. Sain as you know we started using the um the body scanners at our football and basketball games this season and our high schools and our middle schools. um that campus again
094they have one currently and they will utilize that same same feature uh at Hallebertton as well. >> So first year savings assuming that the 400,000 is is legit. um first year savings would net about >> roughly maybe less >> two 200 >> yeah say 200 be safe >> and and Keith's figures and I think he said this but I just want to clarify um they did include that maintenance on an empty building and an empty facility it did include that >> and we still could project >> um 400 plus per year Correct. >> Are we able to have those like transparently to to show or just >> Yeah, I'll get them for you. >> Okay. >> Y >> they were available today. >> No, I don't have them for you today. >> Yeah, I definitely
095will have them for you. >> We have them before the next meeting. >> Yes. Um so once again maintain the location Hallebertton day treatment will be there at least through next year. Um, so day treatment is not one of those situations where you can just pick it up because they have to be licensed similar to a daycare. Uh, so it's a it's a long process. We've got a great partnership with Focus Behavior Health um through our day or is it focus right? >> Yes. >> Focus behavior health. They currently act offer our kindergarten through fifth grade day treatment at Mole. Uh, and the the old program is at at the Halbertton campus right now. Um, in a separate building. >> They are in a separate building. They used the old band room uh in the
096bottom of Hallebertton Academy for their today treatment uh is a is kind of an elective program for our students and families um based on um academic and uh social emotional need as well for our students. So, it's a 12-month campus. They are our students, but they're with um day treatment the entire day. So, they they're again they have their own transportation. they're um they have their own administrative staff is not part of Burke County Public Schools and and there again that's a 12-month program and that program is not going to be discussed about moving over into Drawn High School in the future. >> Did you say it is not? >> It is not. >> Okay. I was getting ready to ask you, so what what guarantee or what h how sure are we that day
097treatment, regardless of where it what what happens to it here is is or is not going into um the drone campus. >> 100%. Day treatment is middle school oriented, right? >> Middle and high. Okay. And then my other question, and I I I'm gonna try to be quiet after this. >> No, you're fine. My other question is where are all the middle school students going? >> So right now they're they're slated to go. We have one middle school. >> We think we'll start the year >> one middle school student next year. Uh and potentially one we've got some options that that student could go to Drone High School with a middle school teacher. Um >> could go to Hallebertton Academy at Drone with a middle school teacher. >> Thank you. Um, so also the potential
098the discussion could we look at a model where each middle school has their own standalone wing or standalone classroom of a school within a school. >> So So there's there's that's still under discussion right now. >> So there's not really a plan. >> Well, the plan is to go to Hallebertton. >> But if we only have one student >> Yeah. >> So then they wouldn't go. You would look for at their own home school. So the middle school would not go. >> That's what we're p we're toying that idea around right now as far as the cost savings initiative of that. So if there again we want our students in the least restrictive environment when you send a student to Hallebertton Academy sometimes it changes their lives for the better sometimes it changes the lives
099for the worse because sometimes it puts they they're they give up but also we want to try to reinvent that thought process so that they don't give up so easily and that they get reinserted back into education. Not that I'm any expert or anything, but I mean you've seen just having kids in the system, the ones that were transferred out that went to the program and went to the help at Hallebertton Academy at the middle school level. >> Um >> there's been a lot of good results to where they, you know, they corrected their actions >> privately um and then were able to come back and then take care of business and graduate, you know. Um, so moving from a program that has proven successful for those students as well and then us not really
100having a set set plan yet is is concerning to me. >> Yeah. So there again, our plan is to insert them at Hallebertton campus >> right now >> to send the middle schoolers to >> the Hallebertton campus. >> Yes, that is the plan. on the high school campus >> on the high school campus. But there again, it's it's an option, but it's not a set plan. So, it's a it could be a standalone, it can be uh either way, whatever way we choose it. >> You said we're considering a change possible. Who's we >> leadership team? Yeah, our leadership team. We're just looking at different options. Um, Draw High School, they're again not relocating. Um, option for day treatment community will still have access to gym. Um, and as I said earlier, we're exploring some
101community partnerships for the building itself. There there's it's a it's there. Again, it's a good old bones building, but unfortunately, as far as the education world, um I was there in there today and it's it was 85 degrees in that building because the old boiler system was still rolling because we have cold mornings and you can't just shut them off. Um so people, that was probably one of the biggest complaints I heard today was it's too hot in here. So, all right, that is my um proposal, Madame Chair, members of the board. Um I'd be happy to if they had any other questions. >> I've got questions, but I've also got just I guess a comment. Um as most people can tell, you know, this is the first proposal, first presentation of this information that
102your board has received. And so, I'd like to just say I'm I'm sorry to the staff and to Hallebert and staff, to drone staff to our communities. um when when information or proposal information like that is brought to that direction to staff first and then not from the top down or from to your board. Sometimes that leads and it did this time leads to miscommunication um leads to incorrect communication and personally I don't feel like that's best practices. Um, I feel like, you know, in an organization, if if you're if you're going to look at doing something like that to help with the success of of whatever you're bringing forward, you you need to communicate with the board first so that we can kind of help and communicate with um, you know, community members, things
103like that. That's whenever you get all the the mess online and and the things going back and forth. So, um, that's what I wanted to say. I want to say I just wanted to apologize um for for that and it wasn't conducive to how I I mean personally I think that you know we want to be represented as a board you know we want to be represented uh with transparency with order with organization and I feel like this this wasn't there so that's what I had to say on that >> also I think if we go ahead and can go down this path I think there's a lot of the community still that has misunderstandings and and uh and I think it'd be really good to spend some time more time communicating with the uh
104the community. I will say maybe shouldn't say but I will say that I spoke to Mrs. and she would be happy to to uh come to a forum to uh to talk to parents at all the schools including John and Hbert and and try and help clear the air. I think before this goes any further that we need to have a Q&A time for the community because we've got a community that is pissed off, feels like that they are not being listened to, feels like they are not being heard, um feels like that transparency was not there. I completely agree with Leslie. Um you know, there was a meeting um that was had before I even knew about it um with staff and stuff like that. I I think that we've got a community that
105that wants answers. Um, and I know that we've put answers on Facebook, but they want somebody to sit down with them, have a conversation with them. Um, and expecting, you know, it to be oneonone all the time. I think we just need to get in a room. We need to do that before anything else goes forward. >> I mean, we want to continue to work on building, you know, trust with relationships with community members and things like that. um just felt like this kind of kind of dampened that that you know goal of what you know as a board member would like to see. I guess with with that in mind um Dr. Swan I have I have confidence in your decision making ability. I don't feel like this this board has ever tried to
106micromanage anything with your team. Um and I I don't feel like this is a case of micromanaging or a a case where we're we're in charge. we're the upper authority. It's it's not like that. We're we're a team. We're all a team. >> And with that being said, I would like for our board to consider putting this on for the next meeting as a possible action item for our board to take a vote on this decision for a board to look at, you know, and weigh the the pros and cons of what decision this is for our community. >> Okay. Um if I might to the point about transparency, I feel that this was in a planning phase um which was appropriately handled at the administrative level. Um once a viable plan was developed, I
107think that that would have been moved forward. Um and since then because of how it rolled out, how it got to this point, I have no idea. Um Dr. Swan and admin has been spending extensive time. And don't take this as oh my gosh, what have I heard? Tiana's being led by the nose by admin. That's not what this is at all. What this is is there's two sides to the coin. Dr. Swan and admin has been spending extensive time talking directly to the community. I know we have as well about this plan moving forward. However, us talking about this, yeah, I understand that people felt like they wanted to be heard, but there's another side of the story that we're not hearing, and that's from the Hallebertton people who have been drugged through the
108mud online, and it is unacceptable me getting reports that people who are in positions of influence are calling our students circus animals. Let's talk about it because I was put here to represent, not represent by zip code, not represent by tax bracket, but all students. If I am not mistaken, our motto is allin for all students. And I don't feel that that has been represented not by this board in its entirety, not by staff in its entirety, and not by this community in its entirety. And it hurts because I've seen Hallebertton students saying, "Dang, this is what my community thinks about me." stu students, teachers, principles, directors saying this is how my community feels about me. You know what? Love and family talks about the hard truths. And just because one side couldn't organize as
109well as the other doesn't mean that they have a louder voice than the other side. So if we're going to have community forum meetings about how people are feeling, that needs to be inclusive of everyone, including the people who do not have a voice. And I don't think fingerpointing is going to get us anywhere. I think that we all need to put our brains together and figure this out in a way that respects these students and grants everybody as much access as we can. So, Dr. Swan, admin, I am sorry. Hallebertton staff, principal, students, future students, community members, graduates, I am sorry for how you guys have been spoken to, the things that have been said online about you, your families, all of that. Jamie, I know you've had had people reach out to you,
110students from Hallebertton, letting them know how they feel. And I feel that that's been I'm sorry, Jamie. I just I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm trying to get to where everyone can see this this this behavior that was so volatile, just vitriol kids, like that's unacceptable. And if that's a stance that people are wanting to take, I cannot take that stand. I can't. I won't. If that cost me my seat, it costs me my seat. I will never take the easiest way out because it will cost me votes or it'll position me politically. I am here for the kids and the kids only. That is the job I was elected to do and I will not stand idly by. While kids who may have struggled, I was an alternative graduate student. In eight months, I will
111be a doctor of law and policy. So, you're sitting here telling me that these kids are going to be building shanks out of tools, circus animals. They're going to be running rampant. We're going to have students transferring. What are we teaching kids? That they're better than others because of something that happened. These kids are in foster care. These kids are being raised by grandparents. Excuse me for getting emotional. I know a kid there currently never had behavior problems. Dylan, you know who I'm talking about. Was griefstricken because her boyfriend, my son, passed away. And you have people in this community telling me she does not belong in Burke County because she could not she could not handle walking through a school and being reminded of him everywhere she goes. That kid does does not belong
112to be in a a regular traditional environment. That's what you're telling me. You're telling me that having a Hallebertton sign next to a drawn sign is an embarrassment. That's what you're telling. I will not stand for that. And again, if that cost me my election, then so be it. I am proud to lose that election. I think we all want to see thriving, successful students from Hallebertton. Students who are supported, students who have opportunities. They should have a chance for privacy. They should have a chance to privately correct either actions or to privately regain their credits. They should make plans to benefit their future free of stigma, free of judgment, and with the autonomy and independent school culture that they've always had. I think that should be, you know, I think we're all in support
113of that as far as a board. But I would rather know that we've we've done what we could as a board. And that's why I'm asking for the board to consider this be a board decision be a by board vote on moving forward with this proposal. I think personally that, you know, there there's a lot of decisions and stuff that come down that need to be, you know, board decisions and things that the board has to, you know, by law decide on. And there's things that we have given the superintendent that responsibility of doing and and and carrying out because of um the faith we have in him too. So, um, I think this is one of those decisions that he sat down with, he's discussed with his staff and directors he's put in place.
114I have no problem with him making that final call. I don't think everything necessarily has to be a a board decision because at some point in time then the thought process is why do you need a superintendent if you're going to make all the decisions for him? We we we trust him to make some of these decisions like that. Uh I do think that there should be you know the communication part of things that you're talking about as far as um running issues by those kind of things. The thought processes and some of the planning things need to you know stay there and then we should be informed and brought up to speed on it. I think some of this has gotten well I'm not going to say I think I do believe all this
115has pretty much gotten out of hand. Um you know name calling things like that. Yeah that's inappropriate. I mean we shouldn't do that. These are kids. We should be setting examples as adults. Anyway, um I do think though that let's we've got some questions. I think all board members have had some questions. I think we we we s with with Dr. Swan, get some of these questions answered. Look into some of the things with Mr. Lawson. Um with the finance part, um I want to say that what we're doing is what's best. I want to be sure that what we're doing is best for the kids. I I don't really care as much about the cost savings. It's not all about money and I think we need to make sure that >> we don't project
116it as it's just about saving money. Is this what's going to benefit both drone and Hallebertton kids? >> And those are the questions that we need to answer and we need to get >> clarification on. >> Absolutely. I'd rather know that we saved the future of a hundred kids a year from Hallebertton. Whichever way this goes, that we saved a hundred kids and their futures and their future plans for their families later on than to save $400,000 a year. And I think that's what he's he's presenting to us. And I think that we need to direct people in the community to ask these same questions of Dr. Swan. Call him, email him, whatever. Let him answer some of these these questions and things because we don't have all the questions. I'm sure there's some questions
117out there that are probably still unanswered. We've covered a lot of stuff tonight. But I I think there needs to be he's an open look. Call him, talk to him, ask him, ask him his questions. If you have any concerns about some of the stuff, stuff that's not been said tonight or clarification on some of the stuff he said, call him and get an answer from him to your satisfaction. Bug him to death if you have to. That's that's what he's here for. I just my two cents. >> Yeah, you know, I've got something to say. Um I was actually gonna say about what Erin said. Um first of all, uh thank you Tiana. Thank you for saying the hard things. Um, I don't know if it should be a board decision since I think
118in theory it's a superintendent decision. Um, but I do think and I'm I'm kind of straddled the fence of that one way or the other. I'm fine with either of that those scenarios. But I do think regardless of what that decision is that from this point forward, we really really need to talk it out every step of the way with everything. Just like Erin said, we have questions. There's more questions coming. And I feel confident that the superintendent's plan is fluid and that he will take suggestions and um scenarios seriously and look at those options um as they arise if they arise. And I think that's that's where maybe the board has um I don't want to say guidance but maybe can have a little more input. It always help helps to get other perspectives
119and I think that you have a a pretty a pretty good group here to get other perspectives from. So that that's where I stand on a vote or not a vote. So >> I just think when we go to looking at changing the culture of two different schools, you know, the Hallebertton Academy, even though it's only been in the Drexel building for since what 2011, this academy, our alternative program, has been in a standalone school by itself for over 30 years. And so before we go to moving into a situation um that we haven't had for 30 years, but moving from a a program and a situation and a setup that we know has proven good results for kids, you know, that's that's another reason to consider it as a board decision. And then you're
120looking at also changing the culture and the and the well the setup of of drone. >> I would also like to see it go to a board vote. I have no problem with moving this to a board vote next month, excuse me, this month, next week. Um, however, if anyone's curious about my take on it, it's that I recognize that legally this is an administrative decision and that has been confirmed by council. As a board, our role is oversight, not obstruction. And so because we have did something like this in the past doesn't mean we have to do it like that in the future. Doesn't mean we can't get innovative. Admin is already making moves, been having conversations about this, talking to staff. They're closer to the staff than us or the community is. um
121maybe putting together a committee of board members to help course three or less to help um with this give updates to be able to communicate that um I know for a fact Dr. Swan Jamie, correct me if I'm wrong. Since we started talking about the new elementary school on the east end, you guys have been meeting monthly with community members regarding updates on what that looks like. I don't Am I wrong that that does occur, right? >> We meet Yes, we meet with um our team. >> Yes. >> So, I don't see why that couldn't be any different with this roll out. I don't think it needs to be a and or the power needs to sit with this or that. General statute already speaks. Your contract speaks to it. Um I don't know why
122that has to change. We can get innovative to bring people's opinions, perspectives, thoughts, ideas in I don't think we need to necessarily change the pattern of what that looks like, especially if that has been confirmed by council as again legal and contractually correct. microphone. >> Thank you. Is Is that any better? >> Um Dr. Swan uh had checked with Chris Campbell, board attorney, about this issue, the respective authority boards and superintendents. And that's a fuzzy line. You know, what's what's policy? What's administration? Uh you look at the statutes and you look at the board policies and you look at the superintendent's contract and uh the board has given uh in in his contract Dr. Swan very broad authority on all matters involving student affairs. Uh unless there's some specific statute that reserves it to the
123board and makes it something that the board cannot delegate and Mr. Campbell did not find anything in this area that necessarily reserved it to the board. So his conclusion was uh the board has delegated the decision to you as CEO through your contract and you have that authority unless the board by majority vote votes to divest you of that authority. So he's not saying that Dr. Swan has authority over the board. It's just that you've given him that authority and you'd have to take that back by an affirmative vote basically. So the vote next week we would be looking at would be divesting Dr. Swan of his authority over relocating the program of Hallebertton Academy. It would basically be that it could be worded another way that is just that the board you know something
124to the fact that the board determines that the board sh itself shall make the superintendent. That's an implicit divestment rather than, you know, quite as quite as in your face >> just for this discussion. >> That that'd be for this discussion. So, it's something that's available for the board if it wants to do it. If the board does not take action, it's Dr. Swan and and and Dr. Swan has had ample one point legal authority under his contract to be taking the steps he's been taking. Now whether uh it certainly has community impact and the board should be concerned about that and uh if the board wants to take that vote on itself then it has the authority to do that but have to be affirmative vote. >> Would this board like to see this
125motion be added to next week's agenda? >> I would. I would. >> That's going to happen. I think there's still questions that hadn't been answered from what I'm gathering from from board members though. So, I don't know that you could make a >> Well, in order for us to set the agenda for next week, >> yeah, I don't think you could, you know, >> I don't think you'd be able to make a clear decision on that if there's stuff that's still been unanswered by some board members. But, I know there's a couple questions that were asked tonight that, you know, we needed to get back to. >> So, would we like to add this as an agenda? I would like to see us hold off another month and in the hopes of also being able
126to have a Q&A session with members of the community. We I understand that, you know, we're here to do what's best for the kids. I I heard all that. But we also are here to do what they have asked us to do. They're asking for a Q&A. Um, I think that we need to I think that we need to give that to them. Um, that's my opinion. I I mean, I'm not sold on Q&A. I think it's nice to have because we do get good feedback. I definitely think we've got public comments times coming up that that would be an ideal time. You know, our emails are always open as well. um to be able to hear those. But, you know, a board meeting and allowing ample amount of time for community members to bring
127forth questions and suggestions or input. >> If if if we do that, can we um I mean, I already know that we can respond, but uh if we do that, I would like to see people have direct questions. I'd like to see their an their their question answered. um at that regular scheduled board meeting or whatever by the superintendent. >> So you're saying have people ask Dr. Swan direct questions? >> Yep. >> Our community deserves answers. >> I'm not trying to be a smart >> but but his phone number has been published. So if people wanted to ask questions, I'm not saying I'm not saying that I'm against it. What I'm saying is people don't have to wait for a special time to be able to pick up the phone and call the superintendent. So
128I'm a little confused as to if there's a Q&A, people want to hear from the board, that's different. But as to hearing from Dr. Swan, >> it's Dr. Swan's idea. I think that he has the answers. >> What is everyone else's thoughts? >> Didn't don't have your board policy in front of me. I don't know if your policy addresses public comments and whether the board responds. I know a lot of boards have policies that specifically say the board typically does not respond. It seems like >> correct. And last week I asked and I made that comment and Dr. Swan told me that he does have the ability to respond back to people or I don't remember the exact >> Yeah, you and I had that discussion but it wasn't in this context. Mr. Beck, >>
129it was in the context of answering >> of of answering questions. >> I said I have the right to respond if I choose to respond to a question. Correct. Not taking a litany of questions during a public meeting. >> I I think that we need to to answer questions whether it's at a regular meeting or something. Maybe I'm the only one, but that's my thought. Nobody else agrees with it, then it doesn't have to happen. >> I I have no opinion either way. I'm fine with doing it and I'm fine with not doing it. So, I don't want you to think that silence is um not agreement, but I honestly am fine with us doing a Q&A. I don't think it should be in our board meeting. Um I think it needs to be its
130own affair if we're going to do it. Um I also think that we are all available to ask any question. You know, you may not get an answer right away. Uh I think some I think there's some security in having those answers spoken with witnesses rather than a one-on-one conversation or in Well, if it's in writing, it's in writing. But so I think that that's where that's that's where um a community meeting or Q&A meeting or whatever has appeal to the community. Um, but I like I said, I I don't just just putting it all out there full transparency. I don't mind either way. Um, so I don't know. >> Yeah, >> I did review the board policy briefly and it it specifically says that as in probably most policies that it's not a a
131time for board members to respond to individual questions. It doesn't specifically mention the superintendent, but I think I think that's implicit, too, because it's really public comment is public comment to the board. And so that's why it talks about whether the board will respond. I think what Mr. Beck uh you know what I hear Mr. Beck saying it sounds more like a standalone which I've seen a public hearing of some of some sort and that's something that you know the board could do or not do. >> So this is a situation where unlike you know what we've done with um IR and Hillary you know we had to have our public hearings and things like that. This is a school relocation. So, it didn't require it. >> But there is a chance and most likely
132will happen that you will be closing a school, >> right? Like the building, you'll be closing the building of Hallebertton. >> School number >> but the building of Hallebertton you would have the physical building of Hallebertton you would have to close. Correct. >> Okay. So once that once that time period and the um I guess the contract with day treatment and all that is up. So we would have an empty building. Is that correct? >> Potentially. Yes. >> Okay. Is there rules with DPI that require our district to step through for when you have an empty building like that? >> I'm not aware of that. The statute refers to school closings. >> Okay. >> And This would be as we've talked about a building closing >> not school >> but not not a school school
133relocation but it doesn't seem to fit within that statuto guidelines. >> We had Q&As forums at Ikurt Hildbrand earlier in the year. I think they were very useful and valuable. I think that's be a good idea to have something like that again. I think it's totally separate a vote at the at the board meeting next week. That's its own thing. It's good thing to do, but I think also having the Q&A the community is a good thing to set up. I wouldn't call it a community forum. I would call it more so probably a public hearing. Um, and it wouldn't be for one specific school if I were to consider it. >> No. >> Yeah. I don't think anybody say anything about one specific school. I think anybody in the community. I I think that
134we need to have I I hope to goodness that we would have parents and teachers and administration, whatever from Hallebertton, drone, whatever. I mean, it's not about >> How long are we looking at this? How long would you want it to go until just however long? like um until >> I mean goodness I don't want to be there to five o'clock in the morning but I mean I think that we've got I think that we can set you know a realistic whatever it is hour and a half to two hour long session whatever it needs to be no I don't want I mean I want to listen to people but I don't want to listen to them till I got to go to work at six o'clock in the morning so um that kind of
135sounded they come out >> that was so rude >> they come out what I what I thought. But anyway, um yeah, I think that I think that there we should set a time limit, whatever it is. >> Is that something that needs to be voted on? >> Yes. Dr. Could you pull up 2500 Yeah. Policy code 2500 involves hearings before the board. Some of those are your appeals, employee appeals, etc. But others are uh just an open public hearing and I as I follow it down u board will consider requests to conduct a hearing in open session. The board will determine that that that's that's on an individual. But I I' I've seen it where um you know for example I I can recall are they going to add uh an international balor or they're
136going to add some program and there's a lot of community interest and so the board has set up a public hearing basically and you can do it any way you want including you can set time limits. You know, you have two hours. You can have a present. You have just people speak on it open just like an extended public comment or you can have some sort of presentation first, you know, uh and I've seen that uh viewed with favor by boards because sometimes that gets out misinformation and rather don't waste questions on on stuff. information if if that's cleared up from the start. Uh but uh yeah, it's basically under your control how you want to do it. >> I'm trying to make this make sense in my head. So a public hearing >> and
137and that would be like scheduling a board meeting. >> Correct. I would I understand the posting of it, all of that meeting, >> but as to how that works because I don't want to get into a public argument either. So, as far when we say Q&A, person A asks me a question, I respond. Person A doesn't like what I said. Person A responds that like it's a tip for that answer. I mean, if if Mike gives the answer, whoever gives giving the answer, if they don't like the answer, that's still the answer. I mean, it's I'm not interested in having an arguing conversation. I think that Lord, if if people start if somebody gets combative and starts yelling, get them out of the meeting. >> Yeah, I think the answer. So essentially, we could possibly
138propose a five o'clock meeting next Monday. Tell me if I'm wrong, an hour leading up to our regular scheduled board meeting >> at 5:00. That doesn't give people who work time to get there. Usually they don't get off till 5:00. So I don't know that that would be beneficial at all. >> Well, we're going to have to decide on something because I mean you If you if you do something in the morning, that's not going to help. Day shift workers. If you do something even, it's not going to help. Second shift. >> I mean, most >> I would say the majority of your community members are what 8 to 5. >> I think so. >> Could we leave it for admin to play around with some dates and times for what works because we're going
139to have to coordinate a lot to be here. >> So, and then bring those back as proposals for us to potentially vote on Monday or if that's too soon. I know we got a lot of moving pieces. >> I think we make a decision on Monday. We shouldn't be >> But I think Monday is too soon to do that. >> Right. So, but I'm saying would it be enough time for y'all to figure out some dates? >> Yes, >> I do think that it should be here. >> That's me personally. Everybody else can disagree. Um, but I think it should be here. It's a neutral ground. I don't know. I just kind of wonder if we get more turnout and more, you know, if we had it between whether you had it you know, if
140that's the route we're going to do. >> I think it depends on what date you decide to do, too. If you get enough notice, I think, you know, >> it really depends on the the dates that you put out there, too. >> Community care. >> I agree with that. >> I agree. >> You care enough. >> I mean, and the reason, if I can say it again, >> if this was a fluffy, it went great. Everybody had the best of intentions situation. I think we that would make sense but there have been a lot of Hallebertton people that have been emotionally damaged by what they've seen from certain communities and I don't know if hosting it hosting it at Hallebertton doesn't make sense to me but hosting it at drawn may turn off the other
141side from coming so I think this is a neutral ground it's neutral territory and for those who can't make it I think We also have a um write in option. I don't know if we can write in. >> Yes, it'd be great to have some questions emailed to us. Of course, if people can't come since you said that, can I bring up another point? when we send out surveys for um feedback input, >> um I've been hearing that people were told not to complete them because they would get doxed as employees. They would be found out or retaliated against by the district. Um one, on record, is that true? Two, when we ask for someone to fill out something anonymously, is it truly anonymous? No. And yes, >> it's truly anonymous and no one would
142ever be docked or was there the word you used >> um doxed >> retaliated >> or retaliated. Yes, correct. >> Yeah. >> Um also, while we're on that same topic, can admin clarify if staff were told that they could not participate in community meetings? Uh, and if they did, there would be a consequence for doing so. >> That is a lie. >> Okay. On the record. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And one more part to that. On the record, if staff would to were to turn up to this community Q&A, would it be held against them in any way? >> No, ma'am. >> We recorded that. >> Great. >> We got it on the record. I just wanted to make sure that. So, yes, the reason I bring that all up because some people do
143work, some people are, you know, nurses working third shift, they're tired, they're sleeping, they don't have child care. There's so many things. Um, and so also having the ability to have um a Q&A or not a Q&A, a questionnaire or a submission form available um for people to write in that may not be able to make it that we can answer at this public hearing. I think it's also another way for us to be accommodating. Are we good? >> Can we summarize? Will you summarize for us real quick what we're doing? >> Recap. >> Dr. Fawn's going to come up with several dates for us to look at next week. >> Correct. >> Right. To determine >> when location time. >> Well, I think we already determined location. That's right. But the time and and
144all that. And then we'll we'll go from there with advanced notes to let people know when. And >> the vote on if we think it should happen or not will not be Monday. It will be the following month. Correct. >> Cuz Lord, if we vote for it Monday, there >> I'm not saying no. I'm not saying no. I'm not saying no. I'm thinking of timeline. So if big if don't jump on >> one step at a time. >> Don't don't jump on me. If the target is the beginning of the school year because we can't move people. So we can't make this seem like we can just make this decision at any time. No, it it's it's timed. And if we were going to do it for the 2627 school year, what is the absolute
145latest, Dr. Akre, that we would need to make a decision? >> You said May. >> May. >> Okay. >> All right. I'm good with that. Mr. B to do next month. Wonderful. Did we conclude that this was coming to the board for decision after that? >> We did not conclude. We did not we didn't bring that up yet. That'll be >> that's a vote as to determine if I'm going to use the words because you used them Mr. Shaw to divest Mike of that authority. So that will be the vote in a month. Am I saying that right? After everyone has gotten the answers that they needed. We've had this public hearing, I'm assuming, by that time. Um, and everything like that. So, it'll be either to divest or affirm. Affirm. Reaffirm. Affirm. >> Reaffirm.
146>> So, divest or reaffirm. I think that made sense. >> So, timewise, you're saying that we pulled that off then in April. This meeting is April 20 and meeting April 27. >> Hold on because Tiana may be in Florida. Um, let's look at the calendar. When are I >> When are the board dates? >> 20th is April. >> April 20th and April 27th meeting. Okay, I'll leave on the 28th. That's all. >> No, I don't think I think Dr. Akert said that we the latest is May. So, we will be cutting it close with the April. So, I mean, we wouldn't be able to extend it. So, are we good with that? >> We'll have those. >> Correct. Are we clear to move on from Hallebert and draw? I want to say one thing before
147we do the past two weeks for me anyway. I have and and not just I'm not really want to well I guess it is kind of piggy backing on what you said. Um I I can't believe this the things that I have seen that the community that the community has written um about some of these kids saying that your property will decrease in value if a kid comes on it. It blows my mind. And they say, um, what good family would want to buy a house inside of an alternative school? And we know that those kids are reading. And we know that the parents are reading because I've talked to them. And it's it's been brought up to people, you know, to to cut it out and they laugh about it and joke. I I
148I can't believe it. And I I've paced the floor of my house for two weeks because I've read it. And uh I just can't see how people's got a heart to do that whether or not you agree with it or not. These are kids and and and on top of all that, you know, it's been hard for us to do our job with this for all of just the mess that's been online. I've went online and sit there and read people talking about the bail schedule that's going to be and we never knew nothing about the bail schedule until today and I'm like where is this coming from? How did people in the community know what the bail schedule stuff is going to be before it's even discuss? Honestly, I think that happened when they
149met with staff before bringing it to to discuss opening and out with everybody, you know, >> but it's it's I just it's other stuff than that. I mean, it's it's not just what the bell schedule is going to be, but um how kids are they're they're going to have to eat lunch together. There's no there's nothing they can do about that. um just things on and on that we were told that we've been told over and over again that's not happening that way and we've tried to go online and correct it and been nice about it a time or two you know like hey look you know this is not happening this way just um you know you have your opinion that's fine but let's let's make sure you're giving the correct information to the
150public and then I mean I've done that one um and got told I was a liar when I was in on the conversation to begin with. And I tell you what, that was that was why why we chose to not turn the comments on for the FAQ. And we chose not to turn that on because of all the stuff that would the the stuff that was being said about these kids online. and I'm not given a platform for it on our web on our web on our Facebook page for that. And so that's why we agreed to turn it off. And so, you know, one time I tried to go in and fix that and I wasn't a reason why. And it it's been on and on like that. But I don't feel like sometimes
151we could even do our job for having to go in and try try to fix the misinformation going out to the public because you can't you can't go back and and turn that off once 15 people see it or 20 people see it. It's over with. It's done. And you're putting that stuff in people's heads and you can't go back. And this has been a problem not just for this. This has just been a problem in general with the way people go on on on social media and online instead of coming to us, you know, but this is just that just made all this just worse to even handle and get done. >> Well, if I can just jump in real quick, we hear constantly. I just had a situation with a parent bringing up
152um bullying uh at the schools and we always hear this. Bullying is a problem. You guys have a zero tolerance for bullying. Bullying is rampant. Bullying is happening. But the kids are seeing adults sometimes staff bullying others. So what example are we setting? What example are the kids watching? Are they seeing their coach talk about these kids like this? Are they seeing their parents? Are they saying they're pastor? Talk about kids like this. Well, no wonder they're going to school and they're calling her this name and they're calling him that name and they're making fun of this disability and they're making fun of, you know, Timmy's mom cuz she died and he's in foster care. No wonder. Can't put that on us. We have to look inwards to oursel because you can't say it's not
153happening. We saw it on live display. And to your point, Leslie, you make a good point as to where, well, they may have heard it in staff meeting. As employees, as people of this board, we sometimes have privileged information. And it concerns me that you may have half the information and we run out into the community. Oh my god, we're closing down Hallebertton. That's not the whole truth, but that's already gotten out there. And it's it's it's it's hard to catch a lie. It's hard to catch it. It's gone. And so being mindful for staff that are listening that sometimes just wait just wait before we go and post on Facebook. Wait before we start calling the neighborhood thread about what's going on. My phone is always on. Do I not take calls at 3:00
154a.m.? Custodians have called me at two. Hey, I got a question about this. Call me. You have never ever ever had Tiana on the record lying. Matter of fact, I'm looking around this board. You have never had any of us on the record lying. Call us. We're friendly. You guys elected us to do this job. Ask us. And if we don't know, we'll point you to someone who does know. And if that's not satisfactory, loop us back in. But let's try to be more mindful of how we're spreading this. I'm sorry, Jamie. I just all over that. Um, but let's just be more mindful in in in what we're putting out there and what we're saying and what we're repeating and that we have all of the information prior to spreading that. >> Go ahead.
155I'm sorry. I'm >> No, you was good. >> Well, and I think people too just needs to realize it doesn't matter the situation uh that that we're talking about or or who it is. If it's Dr. one, if it's us, if it's a teacher, if it's one of the admins, um, when we go and you see this stuff online, it's it and you know for a fact it's not true. It's it's almost personal to us because we care about this district, you know, and I and you can go in and correct all these people and tell them, you know, this isn't true. How about going in and fixing it? They don't care. They just leave it up. And then you have two or 300 people come in and sometimes see a post and it's not
156even true. And all it does is just damage the district. It damages our teachers principles. I mean, it it does more damage than it does obviously good. And and so like I said, I mean, I've spent two weeks just nothing but having to go through that stuff. And then all the stuff that's been said about the kids too. And like I said, it it don't matter which side that you fall on it. It's just that's uncalled for. And and like it's been said, you know, our job is to do the best for every kid. Don't matter what group you're from, don't matter which school you're from. We don't just pick a school and and and um entertain this notion that any any kid is better than another kid. And so, um, just I mean, just
157please, if anything else, just just watch what you post online. If you if you don't know it's true, don't post it. If you want to know if it's true, um, you got any questions about anything, call us. Our numbers are on the website and we'll we'll answer any question that we can answer. But like, but and I'm just, you know, I'm done. It's it's it's been hard on us, I tell you, the past couple weeks just seeing the stuff that we've seen. We're going to go ahead and wrap that up. Um, thank you everyone. I think this has been a fruitful conversation. Um, I think it satiated the need for transparency and having this conversation out in the community. I want to thank you guys for all the work that you guys put into this
158presentation and gathering this information. I know it has been a lift. Um, thank you. So, moving on, we have the potential consent agenda items for March 30th. That consists of open session meeting minutes from February 23rd and March 2nd. Do we want to add that as a consent item for the March 30th meeting? >> All right. Then we have uh the revenue reclassification of capital projects. Mr. Lawson, how you doing again, Mr. Lawson? I'm fine, thank you. Thank you for asking. I hope you all are. Hope things are on a upwards trajectory for the remainder of the meeting. U first item for your consideration and you haven't seen uh a request like this before and it's the first a first for me as well and I'll uh tell you how this resulted uh momentarily but
159what we have here are 27 projects capital projects that have occurred over the course of this past year that you the board have approved uh that were funded out of local capital funds. We're reclassifying those projects to utilize lottery state funds, repair and renovation. The reason we're doing it at this point in time rather than initially doing it when the projects were presented for your consideration is thanks to Dr. He secured a $2.5 million state hurricane Helen grant for the HVAC project at Freedom High School and we had been reserving these lottery funds at the state level to undertake that project. So basically what this is is he has given a a 2.5 million dollar infusion into our local capital as a result of securing the grant. So we're reclassifying the jobs that have already
160occurred uh from our local capital in the amount of $287,000 at this point to state lottery funds. And unfortunately for you, Miss Beer, uh you may not know this yet, but the 27 projects each is accompanied by a cover sheet. Uh so we'll need your signature on 27 forms unfortunately. U >> as a result of this. >> Any questions? put on. >> All right, we got Mr. Beck saying put it on the consent. Objections? None. All right, it's on there. Um, and then we also still have you, Mr. Lawson, with the board amendment budget revisions for and 09 033026. >> Yes, ma'am. And as is customary, that is contained in your board packet. And I'll be happy to entertain any questions you may have on either revisions. And I would like to point out on
161on budget amendment nine again, you'll see that that's all state lottery repair and renovation funds. So the request of $27,000 in in that would have come from our local capital, but again now it's coming from state lottery funding. Any questions? >> Um, I do. >> We can't let Mr. Lawson get away too soon. >> Yes. Um 08 03 30 26 >> number two. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um I need an explanation as to what that is. Please. I mean, I see the explanation on here. I think I would I would like more indepth ex explanation. >> Well, and and I did check with also today uh the county to confirm because the discussion that was had uh over the course of the the last several days, was the architectural design fees a part of the
162construction contract of our previous projects? and it was paid outside of and was in addition to the awarded construction contract. So what this is is this is a request of the 870,494 anticipated dollars for architectural design fees to pull it out of the award awarded construction project and to fund it separately. >> Okay. Have we not already approved payment for the architecture cost? >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. We have. But what this would do is this would infuse the additional 870 to absorb those costs outside of the construction construction contract. And are you telling me that this 870 is already incurred cost or is it anticipated cost? >> Uh well, we have incurred cost about 400,000 to this point. So, just like the lottery fund refund that I've just presented earlier, this would go to basically
163infuse and refund those expenses and to absorb future expenses up to the A7494. >> Okay. And these are the same numbers that we looked at on Thursday. Friday. Friday. >> Yes, ma'am. They are >> okay. I don't know if anyone else on the board has looked at those numbers. They're interesting. Um I personally, speaking only for myself, am not comfortable with in essence signing a blank check for some of the line items on that. Um, if we have incurred cost that we need to pay and be good stewards of our money and of our credit for $400,000, I would I would say that I am only comfortable in approving that $400,000. And we need to have more in-depth conversation about the other $470,000 as incurred or as needed. >> Yeah, I would like to see
164I would like to see us vote on that central office part. separately. >> Is that okay? >> Don't have a problem with it. I don't have a problem with voting separately like doing >> No, I don't have a problem voting separate. >> That's fine. >> All right. So, we'll have that as a separate line item or a separate vote completely. >> And could we be provided with that same document that we looked at on Friday and just have um a notation on what is an already incurred cost and what is a projected cost? >> Sir, yes. >> Thank you. You send that to the whole board or at least two of us. >> Thank you. >> We'll do. >> All right. Is that it? >> Awesome. >> Thank you. >> All right. We have personnel
165board action report with Mr. Recorder. Does anyone have any questions? If so, please remember to use the number Mr. Recker, would you like to see this added as an action item for next week? >> Yes, ma'am. Please. >> Everybody good with that? >> Good. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Recker. All right. We have a first reading of a slew of policies. I'm not going to read through all of those. Um, does anyone have any questions, concerns about any of that? I do appreciate P 5100 and 5110 being merged. Thank you. >> Are we good to move this to a second reading for next week? >> All right, we will move that to a second. Is there a need for close section or se section session >> session? There is not >> talking out. Um,
166okay. With that being said, does anyone else have anything they want to lay on the floor tonight or do we have a motion to >> make a motion to adjourn? >> Motion to adjourn by Mr. Beck. >> Second by Mrs. Rocket. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. This meeting is adjourned. Good night, everyone.